| Business Aviation News & Issues |
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Letters From Bolen to Media Challenge Mischaracterizations
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen has submitted letters to the New York Times, Time magazine and the Arizona Republic to correct
mischaracterizations in describing the user fee issue and general aviation. Bolen wrote that a Times article "blatantly distorted the business
aviation community. The fact is, this diverse group comprises mostly small and mid-size businesses, often flying piston and turboprop planes." To
Time magazine, Bolen noted that "business aircraft (mostly small jets and turboprops) have for years averaged less than 10 percent of the
flight hours for each airliner. The airlines have continually upped the flights at their big 'hub' airports, increasing pressure on an aviation
system built to serve their need for large, expensive hub-and-spoke airport networks." For more information, contact NBAA's Dan Hubbard at dhubbard@nbaa.org.
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Air Carriers Urged to Prepare for FAA Operational Control
Inspections
From July 1 to December 31, 2007, FAA inspectors will conduct mandatory special emphasis inspections of all Part 135 operators to ensure that
operational control systems are in accordance with the new OpSpec A008 and FAA Notice 8900.4. NBAA urges Part 135 operators to prepare for the
inspection by using the operational control compliance checklist on the NBAA web site. Business matters, such as agreements with aircraft owners,
insurance companies and financial institutions, and agency agreements with pilots, must also meet FAA's expectations as described in the notice.
Operators are encouraged to run through a typical flight and unusual scenarios, using operations manuals, to verify compliance with all OpSpec
provisions. Additional notice details are available at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/part135/wetlease
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NBAA Submits Comments on Extensions for Pilot
Medical Certificates
After reviewing the proposed changes to 61.23, NBAA agrees with the FAA that sufficient evidence exists to justify certain extensions for pilot
medical certificates. NBAA's review of aviation accidents and incidents suggests that extending the validity of pilot medical certificates for
certain operations with pilots under the age of 40 will not adversely affect aviation's safety record. The proposed changes will also reduce the
total cost for pilots and companies to comply with federal aviation requirements. To read the comments, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/adm/medicalextensioncomments.pdf
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NBAA2007 Benefit Gala to Be Held Sept. 26
In support of NBAA Charities, this year's Benefit Gala will take place on Wednesday, September 26, the second day of NBAA's 60th Annual Meeting &
Convention (NBAA2007), in the Murphy Ballroom of the Georgia World Congress Center. The Benefit Gala not only will celebrate NBAA's 60th anniversary
and the Georgia centennial of flight but also will feature the 3rd Annual Live Auction, with an auctioneer leading a lively round of bidding during
the festivities and entertainment by Huey Lewis and the News. To learn more about the Benefit Gala and the Live Auction, including pricing, online
registration and donations, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/amc/2007/gala
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LLCs for Aircraft Ownership: Avoid the Flight
Department Company Trap
When purchasing a business aircraft, a company should consider a number of factors in determining the optimal ownership structure. An important
consideration is designing a structure that manages the liability associated with aircraft ownership. The establishment of a new corporation, such as
a subchapter S corporation or a limited liability company (LLC), to own and operate an aircraft is commonly viewed as one method to reduce liability
exposure. Unfortunately, some owners are unaware that this could be an illegal structure. It is important for operators to avoid creating a flight
department company that could violate Federal Aviation Regulations and financing agreements, void aviation insurance policies and create other legal
issues. To learn more about problems and solutions concerning flight department companies, visit NBAA's new Member resource at:
http://web.nbaa.org/member/ops/taxes/opleasing/fltdepco.php
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Operators Should Review Updated Guidance on Gross Navigation
Errors
Business aviation continues to account for a disproportionate number of the North Atlantic (NAT) gross navigation errors. This is not only a safety
issue but also a recurring setback for an otherwise exemplary component of the aviation industry. To help address this issue, the NAT Program
Coordination Office has updated its Oceanic Errors Safety Bulletin guidance to contain an expanded sample oceanic checklist. The bulletin can be
downloaded from the NBAA web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/intl/nat/oesb.pdf
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Deadline Approaching for Women in Corporate Aviation Scholarship
Women in Corporate Aviation International (WCA) will be presenting a $2,000 scholarship at the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention this
September. The scholarship is open to men and women who are interested in or pursuing a career in business aviation. The award can be used toward
various industry coursework such as NBAA Professional Development Program Courses, flight training, dispatcher training and upgrades in aviation
education. Candidates should be actively working toward their goal and demonstrate financial need. Applications must be postmarked by July 23. For
further questions, contact WCA's Michelle Powell at MPowell@wca-intl.org. To download the application and
for additional guidelines, visit:
http://www.wca-intl.org
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California Emissions Bill Headed to Senate; NBAA Urges Members to Act
Now
Assembly Bill 700 (AB 700, Lieu) is now headed to the California Senate Committee on Environmental Quality for hearings beginning this week. The
legislation would require the California Air Resources Board to study the amount of time that turbine aircraft engines run while on the ramp at Santa
Monica Airport (SMO). The bill, an unfunded mandate that may cost the state $150,000 through FY 2009, could result in potentially crippling
monitoring regulations for one of California's preeminent community airports. NBAA asks Members to contact their California senators and
Environmental Quality Committee members, urging them to oppose this back-door attempt to restrict operations. Learn more on how to take action
at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/smo
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STL Added to List of DCA Gateway Airports
The Transportation Security Administration announced that Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) was opened for DCA Access Standard Security
Program (DASSP) operations on June 15. Currently, Signature Flight Support is the supporting fixed base operation. For more information about the
DASSP, visit the NBAA web site at:
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/security/dassp
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Runway Closure Anticipated on CUB
South Carolina's Columbia Owens Downtown Airport (CUB) recently announced tentative dates for a major repaving and runway-leveling project set for
July 16 to August 6. Operators are advised to check NOTAMs for the latest information about runway closure on the airport. For more information
contact Jim Hamilton at JimLHamilton@aol.com or NBAA's Harry
Houckes@nbaa.org.
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Pacific Rim Schedulers and Dispatchers Meeting July 20 in Idaho
The Pacific Rim Schedulers & Dispatchers Association (PRSDA) will hold a meeting on July 20 at Jackson Jet Center FBO in Boise, ID. Registration
and networking will begin at 5:00 p.m., followed by a dinner and presentation, and will conclude with a giveaway drawing at 8:00 p.m. Both members
and non-members of the PRSDA are encouraged to attend, and the cost of dinner is $25. To RSVP and reserve a hotel room, contact PRSDA's Michaelle
Olson at maolson@flyglobalnow.com. For more information, contact NBAA's Kristi Ivey at kivey@nbaa.org.
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Ewald Journalism Scholarship Applications Now Available Online
Applications for the David W. Ewald Journalism Scholarship are now available on NBAA's web site. The newly established scholarship honors the late
Dave Ewald, who spent nearly 50 years serving the business aviation community as a magazine publisher and industry spokesperson. The $1,000 award
will recognize a promising high school or college student planning a career in journalism, preferably with an aviation focus. Applicants must be
enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an accredited college or university program in journalism or a related area. This year's recipient will be
announced at the NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention in September. The application deadline is August 15. For more information and to download
the application, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/scholarships
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Web-based Standing Committee Application Process Introduced
NBAA is introducing a new web-based process to allow Members to research and volunteer for NBAA Standing Committees. The Committees are composed of
volunteer Members and work together on behalf of NBAA Membership to promote and serve business aviation on several fronts, including safety,
security, access, professional development and operational excellence. Member participation in Standing Committees is vital to the continued success
of Committee goals and to those of business aviation as a whole. To learn more or begin the application process, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/about/committees
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Don't Miss This Week's 12th Annual Flight Attendants
Conference
Over 200 participants have already registered for NBAA's 12th Annual Flight Attendants Conference taking place this Friday and Saturday at the
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. The two-day event will cover issues that are critical to every flight such as safety, security and
professionalism. The Conference also will feature multiple breakout sessions on topics ranging from management and leadership techniques to catering
and in-flight entertainment. Register and learn more at:
http://www.nbaa.org/events/fltatt/2007
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Save the Date: 2008 Maintenance Management Conference
NBAA's Maintenance Management Conference will be held next year from April 15 to 17, in Daytona Beach, FL. The three-day Conference is business
aviation's only event dedicated to aircraft maintenance and technical operations management. Conference Attendees are business aviation professionals
with management responsibilities and purchasing authority for aircraft maintenance, technical operations and hangar facilities compliance. The event
is designed to share the latest in product developments and industry trends. The 2008 Conference will focus on asset management, technical operations
execution and personnel management. More information will be published when available on the NBAA Events web page at:
http://www.nbaa.org/events
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Call for Advertisers: NBAA's Fall Journal
NBAA's Journal of Business Aviation offers aviation marketers an excellent medium to present products and services to NBAA Members who
represent the core of the business aircraft marketplace. This publication examines a range of management, operational, safety and maintenance issues
for business aviation operators. The publishing date for the next Journal is September 2007, and the issue will be distributed on-site at the
NBAA 60th Annual Meeting & Convention. Insertion orders and artwork materials are due by August 24. To advertise, contact Gary Worden at gary.worden@spc-mag.com. For more information, visit:
http://www.nbaa.org/about/ratecard/journals.php
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Flight Operations Manual Workshop
June 25–26, 2007, San Diego, CA
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Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
June 27–28, 2007, San Diego, CA
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12th Annual Flight Attendants Conference
June 29–30, 2007, San Diego, CA
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Application Deadline for September CAM Exam
August 6, 2007
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Chairman's Charity Classic Golf Tournament
September 23, 2007, Stone Mountain, GA
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Emergency Response Planning Workshop
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Management Fundamentals for Flight Departments Workshop
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Professional Development Program (PDP) Course: Aviation Resource Management
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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16th Annual Tax, Regulatory & Risk Management Conference
September 23–24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Professional Development Program (PDP) Course: Mastering Communication Skills
September 24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Exam
September 24, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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60th Annual Meeting & Convention (NBAA2007)
September 25–27, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Maintenance Manual Workshop
September 28, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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Flight Operations Manual Workshop
September 28–29, 2007, Atlanta, GA
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11th Annual Safety Standdown
October 22–25, 2007, Wichita, KS
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Business Aviation Regional Forum
November 8, 2007, Oakland, CA
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IS-BAO Implementation Workshop
November 9, 2007, Oakland, CA
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Review the Full NBAA Events Calendar
http://www.nbaa.org/events
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Review Future NBAA Convention Dates
http://www.nbaa.org/conventions/futuresites.htm
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